Cong MP demands probe by sitting HC judge into fire

The Virudhunagar Congress MP has demanded a probe by a sitting high court judge into the massive fire in a cracker manufacturing unit here that claimed 39 lives.

In a statement, B Manicka Tagore wanted the state government to form a committee of secretaries of different departments to formulate a rural infrastructure plan for the three assembly constituencies of Virudhunagar, Sivakasi and Sattur, where most of the fireworks industries are located.

He said roads were not good enough. Besides, the district lacks a quality burns ward, the Congress MP said.

Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had promised to provide necessary funds if the State government sent its proposal for setting up a super-speciality hospital at Sivakasi,he added.

In another statement, Virudhunagar DMDK MLA K Pandiarajan, demanded resignation of the state labour minister for "failing" to implement safety norms.

Sivakasi, hub of the country's cracker industry, is located in Virudhunagar district.